Gifts for Gamers

Christmas is coming and once again Santa is filling his sack full of goodies, ready to share them with the world.

With that in mind dear reader, this Christmas we went on the hunt for the coolest gadgets and gizmos we could find, stuff so cool that not even Santa knows where to get it. Whilst we didn't look under every rock, we still had a bloody good gander, and we've found some things that will hopefully tickle your fancy (or, at the very least, you might see something that you think would be great for a friend or loved one).

Kids

Younger gamers can be a tricky bunch to buy for. The most obvious present you could get them would be a Skylanders model (you'll need the original game though - prices for the models start at £6.99). The idea - merging a collectable toy line with characters you can use in-game - is an evolution of the barcode reader battlers, but with more finesse. An idea that, despite the price tag, might just catch on. Just put the Skylander model on the portal and it instantly comes alive on your television.

If you want them away from the screens then why not check out Donkey Kong Jenga (£19.69) or this Sonic and Knuckles Race Track (£25.74). That's fun for all the family.

Retro

Perhaps you're looking for a gift for an older gamer; someone who looks back at the world of C64s and SEGA consoles with a wistful look in their eye. The iCade (£79.99) looks like an excellent fusion of old and new. I want one.

These Pacman Cookie Cutters (£6.99) look fantastic, and keeping on the retro household theme there is always these Arcade Button Coasters (£9.99) - stylish and cool!

Fashion

For the more fashion conscious among you there is a wealth of video game related clothing out there. Anyone old enough to remember the game would surely love this Chuckie Egg Shirt (£15.99). More modern gamers might enjoy this Assassin's Creed Hoodie - peak optional (£38.07 - some sizes are already selling out). There's the Gamer Evolution Top (£17.25) and this rather understated but nevertheless cool Dead Space T-shirt (£20.00).

If you're interested in buying a present for that special lady in your life, you could do worse than getting her these physics defying Portal Earrings (£12.99). Maybe you've got a lady friend who likes gaming and bags, if so then check out this Pacman handbag (£13.28). And lastly, show her you care by getting her this T-Virus Necklace (limited stock on this one - £22.43).

What about if you're buying for the man in your life? That loveable oaf needs spoiling. Accessories for men include this excellent looking Nintendo Wallet (£13.99), this Space Invaders Lighter (£7.99) or, for the armchair generals out there, how about these Slippers (£12.18).

Collectables

It's not uncommon for there to be an overlap between gamers and the collectors of limited edition figurines. There a literally millions out there, so I'll just get you started with some that caught my eye. How about this ‘space zombie‘ - the Dead Space Necro (£19.99) to start things off. Want something more sneaky sneaky then how about Ezio (£15.99). If you like your heroes wrapped in armour and clutching heavy weapons then there is always this Mark V Spartan with rocket launcher (£39.99). If you're more inclined towards Japanese games then this Final Fantasy VII gear (various prices) will probably hit the spot. Something cute? Check out this Bioshock doll (£20.99).

Here's an outrageous present for a massive fan of the Gears of War series. You'd have to really love them to buy them this life size gold lancer, as it ain't cheap (£194.99). But the best things rarely are.

Pro Gamers

There is a group of gamers out there that are a little harder to please. They wont be fobbed off with a cheap controller and wired headset. They expect more, and they can get it, but only if they're willing to pay. Wiggling this Flight Stick (£299.99) should give any flight simulator fan satisfaction.

Connoisseurs of the beat-em up know how important a good arcade stick is. This Street Fighters Arcade FightStick (149.99) should do the trick, though it ain't cheap.

Late-night gamers would no-doubt get a buzz from hearing all the action through this Headset (£99.99).

Petrol heads are perhaps the most expensive to buy for, because if you want to get them something special, you're going to have to spend a few quid. But boy does the equipment look smart! The only other question is whether there's enough room in front of the television. This Racing Game Seat (£325.00) looks the part, and this Steering Wheel (£249.99) wouldn't look out place in a fast sports car.

Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Science fiction fans out there are spoilt for choice when it comes to gaming. This Star Wars Limited Edition Xbox looks incredible (available for pre-order £349.99). Keeping on the Star Wars theme; in preparation for the imminent release of The Old Republic, why not treat someone to a bit of background with the novel Fatal Alliance (£6.99). If your after something a little more ‘artistic' then why not take a peek at this Mass Effect Print (£25.65). If you're after something a little more substantial then why not consider this specially designed World of Warcraft PC - (£459.99) guaranteed (not by us) to run the game at optimal speeds.

If all of that is too much, and you're looking for something a little more casual, then we can recommend this iPhone Case (£9.95), it's very cool. But not quite as cool as your faithful old 20GB Xbox would be if you dressed it up in this Faceplate (£32.98).

Gamers can be a tricky bunch to buy for, but we're pretty sure that we've armed you with enough cool gear to keep nearly every type of video game fan smiling this Christmas. It doesn't matter what budget you're working with this year, there's something here for (nearly) everybody. At the time of going to press all prices are correct - delivery prices are not included.

Happy shopping.